CROSS Keys kept alive their hopes of a place in the semi-finals of the Foster's Challenge Cup after edging out Newport at Pandy Park on Tuesday evening.

Keys triumphed 10-6 after beating the woeful weather to get a home game on for the first time since December 5.

The Black and Ambers, who can still mathematically overhaul Bedwas for top spot in the Gwent group, led 6-2 at half-time thanks to a try by wing Jon Morris.

However, Keys took the spoils thanks to a converted try by replacement lock/flanker Tom Lampard and a defensive stand from the final play.

Bedwas are still in pole position to qualify from Pool Three and will secure a spot in the last-four with victory against Newport at Ystrad Mynach next Wednesday.

The Black and Ambers host Keys at Rodney Parade on Tuesday, March 1 (kick-off 7.15pm) while the encounter between Keys and Bedwas at Ystrad Mynach is still to be rearranged after a January washout.

Pontypridd and Carmarthen Quins have won the two other geographical groups to qualify for the semi-finals while Cardiff (18 points) are currently the best runners-up.

Gwent group standings: Bedwas P4 16pts, Ebbw Vale P6 12pts, Cross Keys P4 10prs, Newport P4 6pts